Ruth Rathblott
TEDx Speaker| Expert & Inspirational DEI Speaker | Nonprofit Executive at RuthRathblott.com
Nonprofit Organization Management
Education: Goucher College - Boston University
New York, NY, USA
Biography
Inspirational Speaker, Ruth Rathblott, MSW is an award-winning CEO who is committed to creating inclusion for all. She is a leader who has spent her entire career focused on providing opportunities for those who face obstacles.
Ruth was born with a limb difference and currently speaks on issues of inclusion and diversity, the gifts of being unique, the freedom of accepting your differences, and rising above life’s challenges.
Ruth has been a leader in nonprofit organizations for more than 25 years; 15 of which she spent at Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, where she played a central role in its expansion. It was here that she fostered a deep appreciation for inclusion within education and opportunity, which successfully propelled the students to greater achievement.
For the past eight+ years as CEO of the Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF), a NYC-based college access and success program for under-served youth, she directed the HEAF vision of providing a continuum of educational, developmental, leadership, and personal resilience opportunities. She currently serves as a Board Member of The Lucky Fin Project.
Ruth holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Goucher College and a Master of Social Work degree from Boston University. She was honored as the youngest alum ever awarded the Goucher College Excellence in Public Service Award. In 2014, she was given the Smart CEO Brava Award and profiled as a CEO in the NY Times Corner Office, which featured her passion and motivation for“things I want to be a part of.” Ruth has also been identified and received the Trailblazer Award from the Community Resource Exchange in 2019, and the Unsung Hero Award from the Female Founders Alliance in 2020. In addition to corporate Speaking Keynotes, Ruth received Certification from American Management Association in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (2020) and has been a guest on several Webinars and Podcasts—including Sree Sreevisan, Mayshad, Tevis Trower, et al —in 2020-21.
Passion
Expanding Diversity to be fully Inclusive!
Travel and Theater.
Connection. Difference.
Our differences bring us together.
Featured Video
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
I generally get paid for speaking but make exceptions
Topics
Best Story
Living as a con artist. I spent 25 years of my life in hiding--- hiding my limb difference by presenting myself as someone with two hands, when in fact I was born with only one.
I realized I was not owning my Disability because I hadn’t shared my journey – with anyone.
Origin Story
I work with organizations that want to broaden their conversations on diversity so they can create inclusive work environments, develop more cohesive teams, and leverage out-of-the-box thinking.
I touch on invisible disabilities, covering hidden differences, and otherness. Her story speaks to how we cope with feelings of isolation, our need to feel connected to others, the ability to rise above life’s challenges, and the freedom gained from letting go of shame. I demonstrate the power of living authentically and enable the recognition that our differences are our greatest gift.